Where Is Your Tire's DOT Serial Number?

What Is a Tire DOT Number and Why It Matters

Every tire sold in the United States has a DOT (Department of Transportation) serial number molded into the sidewall. This number identifies the tire manufacturer, plant, size code, and manufacture date. It is the key identifier for tire recalls managed by the NHTSA and for tire registration.

DOT number format: DOT followed by 8-13 alphanumeric characters Last 4 digits indicate manufacture week and year (e.g., 1223 = 12th week of 2023) DOT number is on the inner or outer sidewall, near the rim Same tire model from different production dates can have different recall status

Finding the DOT Number on Your Tires

The DOT number is molded into the rubber on the tire sidewall, usually near the bead area (the edge that contacts the wheel rim). It may appear on the inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, or both. If you only see a partial DOT number on one side, check the other sidewall for the complete number. The number appears in raised or recessed lettering and starts with the letters 'DOT' followed by the identification code. On a mounted tire, you may need to turn the wheel slightly to find it -- or check with the car at rest if the full outer sidewall is visible.

Using the DOT Number for Registration and Recall Checks

With the DOT number in hand, you can register your tires at the manufacturer's website (Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental all have portals) and check recall status at safercar.gov (the NHTSA consumer safety website). Registration with the manufacturer adds you to their direct recall notification database -- the first line of notification for any future safety issues.

safercar.gov: NHTSA tire recall search by brand and DOT code Manufacturer websites: registration by DOT number and purchase date CPSC cpsc.gov/recalls: also covers tire recalls for consumer search Registration takes under five minutes per set of tires

Tire Age and Safety for Family Vehicles

New parents should also note the manufacture date encoded in the DOT number's last four digits. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacement after 6-10 years regardless of tread depth -- rubber compounds degrade even without heavy use. For a vehicle carrying car seats and children, knowing your tires' age is as important as knowing their tread depth.

Last 4 DOT digits: week and year (1223 = week 12 of 2023) Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires 6-10 years from manufacture date Tread depth check: penny test (Lincoln's head = replace) or 2/32" minimum NHTSA recommends tire replacement after 10 years regardless of tread